happy new year!

I think the start of a new year is the best time to reorient yourself. I recently got back from a much needed trip to see my family abroad, and I brought with me some new ambitions and goals. 

During vacation, I realized that I’m actually turning 20 in a few months. Entering my 20s! And I know everyone says you don’t really know yourself until you turn 30, but I still think turning 20 is a really big deal! 

To be completely honest, it does not feel like I’m about to end my teenagehood. I fear I still hold on to the self-consciousness I collected during puberty. And this year, I want to get rid of that!

I am constantly afraid of being embarrassed, and I am well aware that this fear prevents me from actually going after what I want. One of my main goals is to get comfortable with embarrassment, and in fact, embrace it! Being human means never achieving absolute perfection, and I don’t want to be ashamed of that. Why should I feel humiliation for doing something that may be a little awkward but still very real?

I want to make more decisions based on what feels right for me, not what makes other people think I’m cool. I’m understanding more and more that hyperconsumerism keeps us in constant competition to “stay cool.” Social media is a constant ad. We’re being pushed to keep buying things everywhere we turn. Personally, this year I want to focus on what makes ME happy and inspired.

I think 2024 will be a great year! I’m optimistic about the future, and I hope everyone else feels the same. Let’s lock in and make it happen!